The Ark-22 is a standard sized Ark class vessel. Standard size of course being massive, enough to easily accommodate an entire infiltration team for an indefinite amount of time. The ship features everything an Autobot needs for an extended duty assignment including armored fuel tanks, multiple crew quarters, labs, a training center, a full repair bay and a fully stocked armory. While not a dedicated war ship she can more then hold her own in a fight.

Ark – 22 Bridge

The bright wash of transwarp was quickly replaced by a view of the blue and green Earth and her moon on the main viewscreen. Kup paid it only a quick glance before getting to business. He’d seen more worlds then he could count, the magic of visiting one had long since vanished for him.

“Alright Springer, get us into high orbit. Everyone make sure that all stealth systems are fully functional. As far as I know we are still under infiltration protocols here, not to mention the Cons are lurking out there somewhere. I’d rather not come under a full scale assault right off the bat."

With those orders given he stabbed a button on his command chair to open a frequency to the other Autobots vessels in orbit. >>”Prowl, this is Kup on the Ark-22. We are in system and are moving towards Earth orbit. I’m guessing you’d like to have some sort of meeting here to figure out what the slag we are gonna do."<<

As the intense light of hyperspace quickly dissipated on the primary view screen, Bluestreak could begin to see the blue orb known as Earth. Unlike Cybertron’s dual moons, this world had only one which appeared to be as dead as Cybertron, itself, currently remained. So, this is the planet that everyone seems so obsessed with, the Autobot gunner thought as he admired the beauty of the lush world. Well, if the past is any indication, it’ll soon end up as dead and barren as every other planet the Decepticons have gotten their wretched hands on. Unless, of course, we stop them this time.

Hearing Kup’s orders regarding the stealth systems, Bluestreak quickly went to work at his control console and initiated the Ark-22’s stealth drive. Once he had checked to ensure that everything was operating according to spec, the gunner turned to address Kup. “Sir, the stealth systems are online and fully functional. We are invisible to both enemy and Earthing detection."

Once he had given his report, Bluestreak glanced over at Howlstrike, who had gone back to meditating and was apparently unaware of their arrival in the Sol System. “Hey, Howl! Wake up! We’re approaching Earth."

“I’m not sleeping, idiot!" The former Predacon snorted back as his optics came alive once more. “And I know exactly where we are. I’m not unconscious of my surroundings when I meditate. I am aware on a certain level of what is going on."

“Well, that’s comforting," Bluestreak replied, sarcastically. “You know, if infiltration protocols are still in effect like Kup says, then you may need a new alt mode, especially if we have to go down there at any point. I doubt a mechanical beast would blend in very well."

“Perhaps," Howl replied, unconcerned. “Of course, this beast mode is technically an Earth creature called a timber wolf. I took it’s form when I was here briefly before being reassigned to Cybertron. I could always use a holomatter projection to appear organic to the natives if need be." The hunter grinned at ‘Streak, his canine-like fangs protruding slightly from under his mouth piece. “You, on the other hand, will need to chose something entirely different from your current Cybertronian mode if you are to mingle with the humans."

The former Predacon then made his way over to the command chair where Kup was still seated. The tracker stood silently next to his old friend as he trained his optics on the blue and green planet called Earth which filled the main view screen. It was curious to him that while he had been in orbit here previously, he had never actually had a chance to bounce down to the surface, itself. Sure, Howl seen images of what the landscape looked like, but that wasn’t quite the same as actually being there in the metal. Maybe now he’d have a chance to go down and see what all the fuss over this backwater world was about.

Transmission from Prowl:

>>"Kup, nice to have you and your crew back in the Sol System. I just wish it was under better circumstances. Yes, there is much to discuss, I’m afraid. However, I’m also currently trying to oversee two major skirmishes down planet side. The ‘Cons are apparently desperate for fuel and are raiding multiple targets at once. As a result, I’ve dispatched two teams to counter their efforts, one led by Ironhide and the other by Hot Spot. So, once you are situated on your end, Kup, you can bounce over here to the Guardian if you like so that I can continue to closely monitor the data feeds coming in from the battles as we hold our meeting. If you have no objections, I will see you soon."<<

Kup began grumbling at Prowl’s reply. “I’ll be slagged before I scatter my atoms across space more then I need to. Springer, bring us in next to the Guardian and prepare the docking tunnel. I’d rather we all be able to walk back and forth between the two ships then keep bouncing around between them. Saves me from having to get dizzy all the time and saves a bit of energy."

Springer tried to hide his smile. “Whatever you say old timer. Adjusting orbit to bring us along side the Guardian. Do you want me to signal them or you want to just walk over and knock on the door?" The triplechanger couldn’t help but chuckle.

Kup glared back at him. “That’s enough out of you. Like I don’t get this from the rest of ya turbo-revvin’ young punks!" Kup stood up, returning his cy-gar to his mouth. “You just try and keep this ship in one piece while I go have a chat with Prowl. Its time to get things straightened out around here. Keep ready though, the Cons are out there and it sounds like they are already stirring up trouble down on that planet below." He gestured to the blue and green globe on the main screen before walking out of the bridge.

*

Conference Room

Grimlock had finished studying for now and was gazing out the window. He could have just gone to the bridge but it was probably crowded enough as it is. There was no one there he wanted to talk to anyway. The real conversations were likely going to take place elsewhere, he only had to be patient and wait for that time to come.

Unfortunately patience was not something the Dinobot leader had in abundance. He sat in his chair; feet propped up on the table and crossed together. He took his sword and flung it at the ceiling, hard enough for it to become embedded a few inches. He would then pull it out and throw it again. He needed to do something to keep him occupied and this was doing it for now, but it was getting old and the ceiling was getting full of holes.

Finally a glance out the window showed that they were moving. Holding his sword the Dinobot paused, studying the space around the ship. He could just begin to make out the form of the Guardian in the distance. He quickly pulled his feet off the table and stood up. “Look like something finally about to happen. Time to make sure we are big part of it, maybe even leading it. Me make sure Dinobots at the front of the Autobots, finally finishing what Optimus could never do, taking out Decepticons once and for all." Stowing away his sword he made his way towards the door.

Motto:"Good food and good drink can do only half of what their excellent variations can."

Weapon: Crossbow

Bridge

WHeeljack looked up from his work station as Prowl's message came over the system. He too couldn't help but chuckle at Springer's snarky remark to Kup about the bouncing to the Guardian. the engineer then went back to checking on the data stream from Cybertron. No surprise there, the signal died. We have to be well out of transmitter range, despite the signal boosting algorithm I loaded onto the communication satellite before we left the Cybertron system, he thought. So he gave a local scan of the area and found the Ark -19 in orbit.

"Bluestreak, Springer, the Ark- 19, is in orbit, not at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Something has to be in motion for it to be up here. We might want to send the a hail or something." He called out, then ran a more detailed scan of the old war bird, and she was hurting.

The corner of Howlstrike’s mouth curled upward, revealing a half-smile as he listened to Kup immediately reject the idea of bouncing from one ship to the other. Howl was not surprised at all as the old timer hated having his atoms torn apart and then put back together again. Sometimes the Autobot hunter would overhear Kup complain after a bounce that something didn’t feel right like he hadn’t been reassembled properly. The tracker didn’t understand the complexities of bouncing, but he always managed to come out the other side intact and feeling the same way if not a little disoriented at first. Perhaps the old warhorse’s circuits just weren’t cut out for that mode of transportation anymore or maybe his vast years of experience had helped him to better understand the dangers associated with atom displacement.

Whatever the case, there would be no bouncing from ship to ship as the docking tunnel would allow them easy access to the Guardian. It was just as well since energon was in short supply and walking would help to save power in the long run. It also appeared on the main view screen that the Ark-19 was also docking with the Guardian on the opposing side, creating one big vessel that would likely serve as home for the foreseeable future.

Howlstrike turned his gaze towards Kup as the old timer instructed them to keep the ship in one piece and be ready for anything as the ‘Cons had apparently wasted no time in causing trouble on the planet below. “I’m always ready, old friend," Howl replied in his gruff voice, giving Kup a respectful nod. “Give the ol’ jerk-bot a kick in the aft for me when you see him! Heh heh." The former Predacon was well aware of Prowl’s reputation of being standoffish and was more than happy to remain behind and let Kup deal with the black and white mech.

As Kup left the bridge, Howlstrike’s attention was then drawn to the flame-covered Autobot that stood a short distance away to one side of the room. Rodimus had been unusually silent for quite some time now, especially considering the situation they now found themselves in. With the Autobots currently leaderless, Howl fully expected the self-proclaimed Prime to make a bid for the position soon as the former cavalier had been previously spouting off at the mouthpiece about the Matrix supposedly choosing him. The tracker thought that it was nothing more than a delusion, but it could be a potentially dangerous one if Rodimus attempted to assume control without the proper backing. Regardless, Howlstrike knew where his loyalties lied and that was with Kup and whomever he supported as the new leader.

*********

When Prowl’s voice came in over the ship’s comm line, Bluestreak couldn’t help but feel a sense of nervousness run through his circuits. It had been many vorns since he had last seen or even spoken to the military strategist. The two similarly designed mechs had had a falling out a long time ago before the mass exodus of Cybertron. It was sparked by a dreadful incident that ended with the destruction of an entire city at the hands of the vile Stunticons. Prowl blamed Bluestreak for what happened even though the gunner had saved his life in the process. But that didn’t matter to Prowl as much as what had been lost that day. He was a logic-driven mech who placed the well-being of the war effort over individual needs. If sacrifice was necessary then so be it. ‘Streak, on the other hand, could not sacrifice so easily and it had cost them dearly.

Bluestreak pushed the rest of the details back into the deep recesses of his processor as Wheeljack’s voice interrupted his thoughts. The inventor was saying something about the Ark-19 no longer being where it had been and was now in orbit with the rest of the Autobot vessels. Pulling himself together, the gunner checked his own sensors and found that the ship had sustained a considerable amount of exterior damage. Further scans also indicated that the interior of the ship was in just as bad a shape as the outside. As he probed deeper, the black and silver mech detected the signatures of Jazz, Smokescreen, Ironfist and Lore-lock. They were the only ones presently on board the Ark-19 and were likely a repair crew. While ‘Streak wasn’t as familiar with the latter two ‘Bots, he did know both Jazz and Smokey quite well and was looking forward to seeing them again, much more so than Prowl at any rate.

“Something definitely happened, Wheeljack. The Ark-19 seems to have suffered quite of bit of damage both inside and out," Bluestreak responded to the inventor while he continued to monitor the broken ship as it successfully docked with the Guardian. “It appears the ship came under heavy fire, probably from a missile strike as the blast patterns along the hull seem to be consistent with such an attack. There’s a lot of patch work that’s already been done by the four-mech repair team that is currently on board. However, with the extent of the damage I’m sure they could use additional help."

Conference Room

While Grimlock played with his sword, Snarl had gotten up from the table and began pacing back and forth in front of the window. Every so often the Desert Warrior stopped for a moment and gazed out into the deep void of space with only the stars there to break up the endless darkness that spread across his visual acuity. The trip through hyperspace had provided a decent and entertaining light show to say the least, but that was now gone and replaced with even more regular space.

The planet Earth and its satellite body soon appeared to one side along with the Guardian that the Ark-22 was now fast approaching. Snarl wasn’t thrilled with being back at the planet where the Dinobots had been trapped in stasis for millions of Earth years. However, it’s where the majority of the action currently was so that’s where he needed to be even if it meant keeping a close optic on his leader to ensure that history didn’t repeat itself.

Snarl’s pacing finally ended for good as Grimlock spoke of making sure that the Dinobots were a big part of whatever was about to happen. The Desert Warrior couldn’t agree more and was itching for battle now more than ever. “Just as long as me get to crush Decepticons, me will be happy," Snarl said as he followed the Dinobot Commander to the door, leaving behind a worn down path on the floor directly in front of the window.

Springer monitored the activity of the other two vessels from the helm. “Yeah, it looks like she’s been put through the ringer alright. No damage from energy weapons though, looks like mostly explosives and buckling damage. Looks like someone did a bombing run on her. They are moving to dock on the other side of the Guardian." Springer paused for a second. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt contacting them. I bet they would have something for you to do Wheeljack from the looks of it."

>>Ark-19 this is Ark-22. Looks like you’ve been in a scrap recently, what happened? Do you need any assistance?"<<

Springer glanced back at Wheeljack. “Well Jack, maybe we’ll see if we can’t put you to work over there. Not sure how many mechanic types they have around here, although with the Guardian around Hot Spot’s group is here. I’ve heard some of the Protectobots are handy with a wrench."

*

Conference Room

Slag looked up from where he had been punching the wall. He did not take well to being cooped up in a ship, especially after the way things had ended. He had worked a sizeable dent in the wall as his boredom and impatience had worn on him. Finally when Grimlock had spoken up and left the angry Dinobot had stomped out after him.

Swoop had been relaxing peacefully in his chair the entire trip, doing a little reading and glancing out the window. He had rather enjoyed the quiet time to relax as they so often didn’t get that chance. Not that he disliked fighting, but he wasn’t as in love with it as his teammates were. When Grimlock left he was happy to stay were he was. That was until Snarl had followed him, followed by Slag. Sighing he got up and followed the others.

Sludge had sat quietly throughout the trip, never having been a big talker anyway. As the Dinobots all got up and left he followed them all.

*

Air Lock

Kup arrived at the door and glanced outside. They were still moving into position next to the Guardian. He leaned up against the wall and waited. While he wasn’t eager to get this meeting started he wasn’t wild about waiting for it. Deciding who would lead the entire faction wasn’t going to be easy or pleasant, but it did have to be done. He appreciated the fact that Prowl was even willing to listen to his input. It wasn’t like he was the highest ranking Autobot around, although he was probably the oldest. Age did have a few privileges apparently.

He looked up as he heard a series of heavy footfalls coming down the corridor. He plucked the cy-gar from his mouth as Grimlock and his entire team came walking up to him. “Wondering when you would show up. Did you really need to bring your whole team with you?"

Grimlock stood silently, eliciting a sigh from Kup. “Fine, whatever, just try not to break anything." He glanced at the airlock control console, confirming that the two ships were now aligned with each other. He slapped another control and the docking tube extended out to the Guardian. Once it was attached he opened the airlock and began walking to the other vessel.

>>"Prowl, this is Kup. We are boarding the Guardian now. Where do you want to talk? I suggest somewhere with enough room to fit 5 big Autobots."<<

Why is it so dark? Hmmm. Strange, no self-diagnostics. He couldn’t tell just how long he had been out, mostly due to not having access to his chronometer, not mention he was having trouble on-lining his optics. He could feel his body; he just couldn’t feel anything else. Now he was starting to get worried.

“Hello?! Can anybody hear me?! HELLO?!"

The sound of his voice seemed to go on and on. There was no echo, no reverberation, there was just his voice. He didn’t even realize that the sound of his voice simply stopped. He let out a surprised gasp as he suddenly felt himself falling uncontrollably. Finally righting himself he desperately tried to find something, anything to grab onto. Suddenly his decent slowed until he simply felt himself floating.

He quieted when he heard a low rumble that seemed to come from everywhere. He turned trying to pinpoint where the noise was coming from, but it was useless. It was then that the rumble turned into a deep, guttural laugh.

"You ask too many questions."

“Who…who are you? Where am I?"

Another laugh from the voice and the mech without sight shivered in fear.

"Your questions will be answered…in time. For now you will be but a simple passenger. The vessel…your own body."

With the voice's final word sight returned to the mech. The image before him caused him to shake his head in complete disbelief. There were his friends, but he…he was not there with them. It was as though he was viewing them through glass.

“What…what is this? What did you do to me?"

He didn’t wait for answer, instead he called to his friends, when his calls failed to gain their attention he began screaming to them.

“KUP! SPRINGER! ANYBODY! PLEASE, IT’S HOT ROD! SOMEBODY, HELP ME!"

"They cannot hear you. No one can hear you."

The entire trip saw Rodimus Prime silent and reclusive. He was present on the bridge bathed in the shadows, but it seemed as though his processor was far beyond the bridge of the ship. His optics registered the patterns of lights and other images, but still he remained stoic and unmoving. As the ship finally docked with the Guardian a slight smile creased the self-proclaimed Prime’s face.

"Ironfist to Ark-22 Commander. I am currently on board Frigate Guardian. Dispatching current scans and damage reports of the 19 to your mainframe. We require the activation of the 22's main manufacture plant to begin construction on several key specialized components. Modified to specific terms that I have already notated within the schematics I am including with the data burst. Triple encryption key, Axalon."

He paused briefly as he cleared his vocorder.

"Also, if you happen to have a few technically inclined mechanisms on board, I would not be adverse to their assistance."

With little else to do on the bridge of the now sparsely occupied Autobot ship, Bluestreak had excused himself in order to finally upgrade his alt mode into an Earthen vehicle that fit his body type and personality. The reasoning was both to help pass the time and because he knew that he would eventually be deployed to the planet’s surface where infiltration protools were still in place. Blue didn’t mind the change and he actually was looking forward to it.

The time Bluestreak had spent in the CR chamber had gone by quicker than expected, which was a good thing for him as he never liked the quiet associated with just lying there as the medical appendages went to work on his outer frame. Only the whirring sounds of the mechanisms broke the silence that reminded ‘Streak too much of the aftermath of his home city’s destruction. It had been so long ago, but it seemed like it was only a cycle ago.

Once the door had opened with the usual hiss, Bluestreak stepped out in his new form. He checked all of his joints to make sure he could still move as freely as before and then he tested his transformation cog. His servos and body parts shifted around and realigned until he had taken the form of a Nissan 370Z sports car. The sleek new design of the human vehicle suited him perfectly, the hood and roof shrouded in deep black as the sides glistened the usual silver. The roar of the engines, while much louder than his previous Cybertronian mode, was a welcome change as it would help keep the silence at bay.

Happy with his choice, Bluestreak returned to robot mode and looked around the empty med bay. With his engines no longer echoing through the room, that dreaded quiet began to consume him once more. It never took too long to happen no matter how hard he tried to think about something else. I’ve got to get back to the bridge. Right now I’d take Howl’s deep vocals and agressive personality over nothing at all, the Autobot gunner thought before exiting the med bay without further delay, bound for the bridge.

Bridge

The doors parted revealing Bluestreak’s newly updated form. Hearing the sounds of the mechs within performing their monotonous duties and tasks was music to his audio receptors, the dark quiet now dissipating back into the recesses of his subconscious processor. ‘Streak let out a relieved sigh as he made his way over to the weapons station and took a seat. Entering the required security codes, the display came to life in front of him with a warm glow. It was then that he noticed the empty chair at an adjacent station across from him where a certain former Predacon was once occupying before Blue had left for his upgrade.

The silver and black mech quickly stood up again and peered around the room. He spotted Wheeljack working on the opposite side while Springer was still at his station, but Kup’s pet was no where to be seen. “Hey, where’d Howlstrike run off to?"

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

It had been a long, tedious trip for Inferno. With little action going on, there was not much for him to do. He was not adept at piloting a space craft, operating sensors, or using the research labs. About the only thing he was good for on an Ark class vessel was manning weapons and emergency repairs in a combat situation. This trip provided little of that.

Finally, though, they were at their destination. A lush blue and green world others called Earth. Inferno had read up on all availabale reports on the voyage. From he understood their were various resources on this planet and a sentient population. No doubt the Decepticons seeked to exploit both. Inferno would make it his personal crusade to not allow that to happen. He watched, enviously through a bulkhead, as Kup and some of his men boarded prowl's ship.

"Wish I was going with them." Infereno thought out loud, "Instead I'm stuck on this flying boredom ship. Ah well, plenty to do in the mean time." Inferno wandered over to a ship computer and began searching for an appropriate alternate mode to blend in with Earth society, and would accept his size.

After what seemed like hours Inferno came across something called a "fire truck" He began scanning the necessary data into his his on board computer and trnasformed into the large vehcile.

"hmmm, I'm not nuts and bolts about these rubber tires, but I suppose this will do..." Inferno transformed again and began walking off towards the training room. Perhaps he would meet someone along the way. A sparring partner perhaps? Or at least someone to talk to.

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

Training Facility

Inferno slowly dredged onto toward the Training Center aboard ARK 22. His new body configuration was not easy to get to used to, but he was confident he would get the hang of it. He knew the training center would be the best way to speed up this process. In his line of work, he had to be at his best, and going half-witted in the line of fire was not something he was willing to do.

Inferno quickly punched in a simple training exercise under a search and rescue parameter and left the training center unlocked, in case anyone wanted to join him. As Inferno entered the trainer, a computer voice greeted him:

"Location: Earth, Northern Hemisphere, Hawaiian Islands. A dormant volcano has become active due to Decepticon interference.

"Now this is more like it," Inferno exclaimed aloud. "FINALLY some action, this Decepticon won't know what hit him!"

As the scenario become active Inferno had to briefly shield his optics. The lava flowing on the ground was brighter than he was used to. They quickly adjusted and Inferno was very impressed to see his armor was holding up well in such an intense heat. Thinking as quickly as he could, he first fired his flame supressor cannon. A gel-like foam made contact with the lava and sizzled away into smoke.

"Well, that is going to be utterly useless. Best divert my attention to more bountiful endeavours. About this missing Autobot..." Inferno thought to himself. He began his search, first using only his aural sensors. In heat like this, and lava spewing forth on the ground screams from another might make it easiest to locate said other. When he heard none he activated his internal sensors. They scanned and located two potential pings. "BINGO!"

Inferno picked up one lifesign pinned under some debris, not to far from him and another signal off in the distance moving at very high speeds. It was obvious to him which one was the trapped Autobot, and which was the Decepticon.

Inferno declared outloud, "Well, got some ground to cover. Let's give the fire truck thing a whirl!" With this Inferno transformed into his alternate mode and began driving toward the trapped ping...

Motto:"I can totally prove that I'm not a zombie! Just lean over hear, and let me take a little nibble out of your brains."

Weapon: Double Barrelled Shell Launcher

Hallway

"Why would he leave the room without telling me?", Red Alert frustratingly asked himself, "He knew I was in the CR chamber, why would he go like that before I was out? What could he be hiding, what is he-"

For a quick moment Red Alert stopped himself, even when his sensors continued to send him an almost nonstop barrage of signals and information. It was normal for him to be suspicous of others, it was part of his job after all. But now he was starting to think his best, and possibly only friend might be conspiring against him. Even he had to stop and think twice about such an accusation.

"No, no, no, not Inferno, he wouldn't.", he tried to reassure himself, "He would never betray me, never. But maybe...."

Now he was wishing he hadn't gone into the chamber, even if he needed a new alternate mode and a general tune up. Every moment he was in stasis something was happening, and he couldn't stand the thought of anything happening without him knowing. As he pondered a nearly endless list of scenarios as to what had caused Inferno to leave wihtout him, he came across the door to the training facility.

"Now I'm going to get some answers.", the security director said resolutely as he pushed the button to open the door.

Training Facility

Stepping in, Red Alert found himself in a strange environment he wasn't used to. Some form of hot liquid flowed along the ground in what appeared to be a tropical climate.

"This isn't real, this is just a simulation,", Red Alert reminded himself as his highly tuned sensors sent him a cascade of readings that made it all the more difficult to tell, "This isn't real, it's just a simulation...."

Slowly, cautiously he walked through the holographic simulation, carefully avoiding the lava despite it not being real lava. After only a few astroseconds he noticed a large red vehicle, heading toward two virtual mechs.

"Inferno! How can you be playing around at a time like this?!?", Red Alert yelled.

Smokescreen moved quietly through the ship as quickly as he could, his hand still holding on to Tracer’s as a way to both guide her and keep her steady at the same time. He worried little about Razr as he knew the small turbofox would have no trouble keeping up with his master. Smokey’s only real concern was being discovered, not by the frigate’s internal sensors, but by a stray Autobot they might encounter in the halls. Even though the ship had only a skeleton crew aboard, it was this fear that forced the rallybot to be more cautious, especially when they came to a corner or intersection. One never knew what or who was just out of sight. He certainly didn’t want a repeat of when Jazz discovered him leaving the Ark-19. That was an awkward moment to say the least.

Finally reaching their destination, Smokescreen approached the entrance of the shuttle bay and entered the security codes that would allow him access to the small vessels within. The doors slid apart and the diversion expert stepped across the threshold, still guiding Tracer along the way.

Shuttle Bay

Once inside, Smokescreen let go of Tracer’s hand for a moment as he turned around and accessed the control panel next to the doors. Instead of hitting the switch, he opened up the panel and yanked out a small circuit board, causing the doors to slide shut and lock. He and Tracer were now effectively sealed within the shuttle bay until Smokey either replaced the circuit or a mechanic with the proper knowledge came along to fix the doors. No one could get in or out and that’s exactly how the rallybot wanted it. The diversion expert placed circuit away into a small compartment in his waist before moving back over to the drug-addicted femme.

“Okay, we’re good, Tracer," Smokescreen said in an assuring manner as he took hold of her hand once more and guided her over to a small shuttle craft at the far end of the bay. “We’ll use this one. It’s small enough that the cloaking device will easily conceal it." I hope. The red and blue racer pushed a button on the outer hull and the hatch popped open with a hiss. Smokey then ducked down and entered through the tight opening, immediately taking off his backpack and placing it in front of him on the floor of the shuttle. Opening the satchel, he carefully lifted the cloaking device out of its concealment and carried it to the rear of the craft where he could connect it to the power core and primary engine systems.

“Trace, just take a seat somewhere while I hook this up," Smokescreen called back to her, as he placed the device down and activated the magnetic strips on the bottom that would hold it in place. “This shouldn’t take too long." Of course, the rallybot hadn’t been entirely truthful in his last statement. He really didn’t know how long it would take since he didn’t know exactly how to hook it in to the shuttle’s systems. Thankfully, he wasn’t in this endeavor alone and had a secret ace up his sleeve. The diversionary tactician then opened an encrypted comm link to his inside connection:

>>”Hey, it’s Smokescreen. I’m on board now down in the shuttle bay. I need a little assistance with the cloaking device. Are you free to talk?"<<

It took a few astroseconds before a response came back over the secured channel. >>”Of course, I’m free, Smokey. What do you need?"<<

>>”I need to know how to hook up this blasted cloaking device. It looks complicated."<<

>>”Not if you know what you’re doing, buddy. Okay, follow my instructions to the letter and you’ll be ready to go in no time. First, remove the small panel on the lower back side of the cloak and pull out the two cables, one red and one green. They are thicker than normal wires. Once that is done, connect the green one to the primary coupling on the shuttle’s power core. The device will draw it’s energon from the shuttle, itself. Then, connect the red cable into the main engine port, allowing the device to send highly charged neuronic particles into the engines themselves which will allow for a silent run. To the naked optic, you’ll be visible, but sensors will be unable to pick you up. Theoretically, anyway."<<

>>”Wait, what do you mean, theoretically?!?"<<

>>”Never mind. It’ll work just fine. Now, once those connections are made, you need to enter the activation code on the keypad mounted on top of the device. Now, enter the numeric code exactly in the order that I tell you or you risk the apparatus locking up and not working at all. The code is as follows: 9 4 3 3 5 5 2 2 5. Once the code is entered, hit the yellow button and the device will be online and fully operational. Let me know when you’ve got it up and running."<<

Smokescreen had listened intently to everything the mech on the other end of the comm link told him, even the theoretical stuff that made him very nervous. He followed the instructions closely, opening the back panel and hooking up the pair of cables into the proper outlets. He then moved on to the keypad and entered the code just how it was relayed to him and pushed the yellow button. Smokey then waited for a moment as the cloaking device began to hum to life.

>>It seems to be working. I think we’re in business! Thanks a lot, ‘Jack!<<

Bridge - Science Station

Wheeljack sat at his terminal, communicating with the diversion expert through a non-verbal internal comm line so that no one else could hear what was being discussed. The two mechs went way back to the days when infiltration on Earth meant little more than sitting around tinkering with gadgets or running diagnostic programs. Being that the computer labs were adjacent to his own work space, ‘Jack and Smokey had become quite close. In fact, the rallybot was usually the first one the resident mad scientist would show off his latest inventions to. Unfortunately, one of those creations had exploded in Smokey’s faceplate during a small skirmish with the ‘Cons, leaving him in stasis for a short while. ‘Jack had owed the rallybot one ever since, which was why he was willing to help in this instance.

>>”Glad to hear it, Smokey, ol’ buddy. I’ve already diverted the ship’s sensors around the shuttle bay so that when you activate the outer doors, no one up here will detect it. Just remember, don’t push the shuttle’s engines too hard. The cloak may not hold up under intense stress."<<

>>”Got it. Anything else I should know, ‘Jack?"<<

>>”Yeah, whatever it is you’re up to, Smokey, don’t do anything that’ll get yourself killed. Okay?"<<

>>”I’ll do my best, buddy. If I need any more help I’ll contact you on this channel."<<

As the internal encrypted comm link went silent, Wheeljack couldn’t help but wonder if he was really doing the right thing by helping Smokescreen and his lady love sneak down to the planet below. He hoped they weren’t doing anything illegal, but who really knew with Smokey, considering his checkered past. Prowl was a tough ‘Bot to get around, which was why the rallybot had contacted the mechanical engineer for help. ‘Jack had divulged where to find the requested equipment stored in his old lab over on the Ark-19, things that led the scientist to believe that Smokey was up to no good. Still, Wheeljack was there to help his fellow Autobots, and the diversion expert had always been a good friend in the past so there was no reason not to help him now even if his activities were a bit suspicious.

Wheeljack glanced around the bridge, seeing Springer at his station looking bored while Bluestreak chatted up Arcee on the opposite side of the room. At least, the gunner wasn’t running his vocal processor in the scientist’s audio receptors. He’d barely be able to hear himself think let alone try to silently communicate with Smokescreen. The only ‘Bots that were uncounted for, who should still be on board, were Inferno and Red Alert.

Red Alert! Wheeljack thought as he sat up straight in his chair. Oh, Primus, I completely forgot about him. If anyone was capable of finding out about Smokey it would be that paranoid mech. I’ve got to make sure he doesn’t go near the shuttle bay.

The Autobot mad scientist quickly checked the ship’s sensor grid, at least the portion he had not tampered with, and found Red Alert to be down in the training facility with his buddy Inferno. Good, perfect place for you, Red. Now, if you’ll only stay there for a little while longer.

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

Training Facility

Inferno was having a tough time traversing the rocky terrain is his new form. The land formations were foreign to him, and atop that lava was randomly spewing forth from the ground itself. He came to a screeching hault and nearly toppled over at the sudden stop when he heard his friend Red Alert's voice. He quickly transformed and fell to a knee.

"Red? What in the blazes are you doing here? Avoid that liquidy stuff. It'll melt right through you!" Inferno shouted to his friend and partner. "What do you think your doing?"

Inferno was shocked to see his old friend enter right into such a dangerous situation, especially since he was ill equipped for it. He knew he would get an answer though. Red Alert may a paranoid bot, but he didn't act without at least a bit of rationale.

Motto:"I can totally prove that I'm not a zombie! Just lean over hear, and let me take a little nibble out of your brains."

Weapon: Double Barrelled Shell Launcher

Training Facility

"What am I doing here?", Red Alert incredulously replied as he walked closer to Inferno, carefully tip-toeing his way around the simulated lava, "What are you doing here?!?"

Red Alert took Inferno's warning very seriously. He could tell now that his friend had turned off some of the safety protocols in the simulation, and though possibly not as hot as the real thing, from his sensor readings it was clear the lava would most certainly leave more than a few burn marks.

"I know you like to have plenty of action, but why do something so dangerous at a time like this?", Red Alert frantically asked, "With Optimus gone the Decepticons could attack at any minute! And with Megatron gone every Decepticon commander and senior officer in the quadrant will be coming here to claim his position! They could be mounting a massive assault on us right now and you're here risking your life for holographic bots in simulated lava?!?!"

There were so many variables, so many threats, it was almost too much for the security director to handle! Red Alert started to forget he was in the training facility as several holographic seekers flew overhead.

"SEE! They're already attacking!"

Without warning Red Alert fired two missiles at the simulated Decepticons, then immediately lifted his rifle and fired wildly at them as if his and Inferno's lives were at stake. Though in his frenzy he missed many shots, but enough hit the targets to leave none left flying.

"We need to get out of here now, and get on the bridge where we can at least see them all coming!"

Tracer’s hold on Smokescreen’s hand never loosened as the rallybot guided her through the corridors and on toward the shuttle bay where their transport would be waiting. She tried to keep as close to him as she could but the physical drain on her systems were making it difficult. As they neared their destination the femme nearly tripped over her own feet, but with Smokescreen secure hold on her servo she was able to keep upright and continue on. Razr was never far from the two ‘Bots. His loyalty was always reassuring to the troubled femme.

At the doors to the shuttle bay the duo stopped and the former gambler entered the security code. They made their way inside with Tracer moving as quickly as she could manage.

Shuttle Bay

Once Smokescreen had let go of her hand Tracer moved to a crate that was sitting next to the door. She leaned heavily on the makeshift crutch as he proceeded to override the lock sealing them in and the rest of the crew out.

Tracer lifted her head as she looked into the rallybot’s optics. She gave him a small smile as he took hold of her hand again and helped her to one of the shuttles. Slowly the femme made her way into the small ship sticking closely behind the blue and red mech. Padding directly behind Tracer, Razr moved into the shuttle and settled in beside his master.

The femme scout stopped next to Smokescreen as he removed the satchel from his back and placed it on the floor. He then opened the bag and removed what looked like a cloaking device, one that bared a resemblance to those Wheeljack had often utilized. She was about to question just where he had come by the device when she recalled that Smokescreen had left her quarters while she contacted Oil Slick to set up the meeting, obviously to get what he needed from the engineer. I hope he didn’t steal that.

She flashed him an uneasy glance, but he would never see it as his back was still to her. Tracer shook her head lightly, but the movement only caused her to become even more unsteady on her feet. With a low groan she placed her hand on the nearby wall to keep from toppling over. To her side the small turbofox cocked his head to one side and gently placed his paw on her foot. She gave him a quick smile before she reached down and gave him a pat to the head.

“I’m alright, Razr."

Her attention moved from her pet and the spinning sensation in her head back to Smokescreen. The mech urged her to take a seat and be patient while he got the equipment hooked up.

“Al…alright."

Very slowly and cautiously Tracer moved to a nearby chair and lowered herself into it. The femme drew up her legs, resting them on the seat and wrapped her arms around them as tight as she could manage. She let out an exhausted sigh before she offlined her optics and rested the chevron that adorned her forehead just below her upright knees. With any luck this whole ordeal would be over and she would finally have what she needed to feel again.

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

Training Facility

Inferno could tell his old friend Red Alert was getting agitated by the situation. His paranoia was clearly getting the best of him, but Inferno had to crack a small smile when he saw Red Alert fire some missiles at the incoming simulated seekers. He could use this to his advantage, and finish the simulation all at the same time.

Inferno called out to his friend, "That's the spirit Red! Knock those seekers out of the sky! We'll show these Decepti-goons whose boss!" Excitedly, Inferno fired two of his own missiles at the incoming seekers. Naturally, they were able to weave out of the way but the delta formation they were flying in was broken up. One of them was left clearly exposed.

Carefully aiming his energy dampener Inferno fired upon the exposed seeker. The energy dampener beam hit it on the belly. The beam did its damage quickly and the targeted seeker's engines began to short out. Inferno watched with pride as came crahsing down into a lava fissure, boiling down to a smoking wreck.

he quickly turned to Red Alert before firing again and yelled to him, "You have more advanced sensors than I do Red, can you locate the pinned Autobot? I'll keep these second rate fly boys off your back while you do! Once we rescue our lost friend, we'll head up to the bridge as you'd like! But finding the lost 'bot is my PRIMARY concern at the moment!"

Inferno went back to firing at the Seekers, confident Red Alert would see the simulation as a valuable training exercise. Or at the very least his paranoia will set in and force Red into thinking the simulation was real and the primary objective would be met. It was a dirty trick to do to a friend, but Inferno had to test his new abilities before entering real combat with real Seekers.

Motto:"I can totally prove that I'm not a zombie! Just lean over hear, and let me take a little nibble out of your brains."

Weapon: Double Barrelled Shell Launcher

Training Facility

The ground rumbled, spewing smoke and more lava as the volcano started to become fully awake. It was a dangerous situation even without the Decepticon assault- at least, that's what it was meant to look like.

"This is just a simulation..... THIS IS JUST A SIMULATION!", the security director tried to remind himself even more.

He couldn't believe that despite everything he'd said, his best friend still insisted not only in continuing this unneccessary excercise, but that Red Alert become involved. Actually no, he could believe it. Unlike Red Alert who often saw dangers hidden in every nook and crany that others never even thought of, Inferno only saw the danger right in front of him. Unless the real Decepticons showed up, it looked like Red Alert would have to help finish the training exercise before they could leave.

"Oh all right, fine! I'll help you, but you'll be sorry if we come out and the Ark is swarming with enemies!", Red Alert reluctantly replied.

With all of the noise and the heat and the smoke even Red Alert's finely tuned senses were put to the test. Avoiding the occasional laser fire from the sky, did his best to scan the area with every sensor he had- olfactory, optical, thermal, audio- wait!

"Help..... someone help me please!"

Red Alert could just make out a faint voice coming from near the base of the volcano.

"I think I have something!", he hollered to his friend as he ran toward the source, searching for some visual confirmation.

After a hundred meters of running and scanning, Red Alert finally found an electronic signal; at the base of the volcano, just barely visible underneath several tons of rocks. Red Alert could see some lava flowing from the top of the volcano toward the trapped bot.

"I've found him, Inferno!", Red Alert shouted, activating Infernos internal alarm out of habit, "He's trapped on the southwest base of the volcano, and he doesn't have much time! Hurry!"

Red Alert transformed to his lambourghini mode. It was the first time he'd done so since they arrived in Earth's orbit, so he found some difficulty driving along the rugged terrain. Still, he drove as fast as he possibly could to save the trapped mech.

Once the comm line with Wheeljack went silent, Smokescreen gave the cloaking device a final look over before standing up. It gave off a warm glow and gentle hum in an almost orchestrated symphony of light and sound. It amazed him that something the resident mad scientist had built would operate with such harmony. Of course, all the bells and whistles in the universe didn’t mean it would work right or not eventually blow up like many things ‘Jack had invented.

At least he remembered that he owed me one after that warhead debacle, Smokescreen thought as he turned away from the cloaking apparatus and made he way towards the front of the shuttle where Tracer had found a seat and curled up in it. As he passed by the main hatch, Smokey hit the switch, closing the doorway and locking it before then moving to the troubled femme’s side.

“It’s almost time, Tracer," the diversion expert whispered to her trembling form as he knelt down and placed both hands on her upright knees. “We just need to wait for the Dinobots to make their move and then we’ll make ours. It won’t be long now." Smokey leaned forward and kissed the top of her head above her chevron. He then stood once more and walked to the pilot’s chair of the small craft.

Once the rallybot was seated, he brought the shuttle’s primary systems online. The control panel came to life within astroseconds as lights flickered on across the board and a small view screen in front of the diversion expert began to run down the status of every component of the vessel, both hardware and software. Everything was in the green, including the engines which had adapted well to the cloaking device now attached to them. Now, if everything would only stay working.

With everything set and ready to go, Smokescreen left a secured comm line open so that he could listen in on any nearby transmissions without being detected. Once the Dinobots were gone with the Ark-19, comm chatter about the incident would surely increase exponentially amongst the Autobots on both remaining vessels, giving Smokey the signal to finally depart for Earth. Come on, you Dino-dolts. What the slag are you waiting for?

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

Training Facility

Inferno was blasting away at the Seekers when Red Alert called over to him. He had just downed the second Seeker and felt great pride when he heard Red call over to him.

"Oh all right, fine! I'll help you, but you'll be sorry if we come out and the Ark is swarming with enemies!",

'Be sorry if we were swarmed by enemies? HAaaaa!' Inferno laughed toward his old friend. "We BOTH know I'd prefer that!"

Inferno started targeting the third Seeker when Red ALert anounced he had found the trapped Autobot signal. He smiled when he saw Red transform and drive off toward the trapped 'bot. Following suit, Inferno transformed into his fire engine and began racing off. While he could not hope to match Red's speed, his heavier frame made traversing the rugged terrain a bit easier. Inferno raced until he was about twenty yards behind Red Alert. He deemed this a safe following distance.

"Just point him out RED ALERT! I'll handle it from there good buddy!" Inferno was swollen with pride. He was at his finest now. Rescuing a trapped comrade, downing two Seekers, and he even got Red Alert to cooperate with him. This was turning out to be a great training exercise.

Motto:"I can totally prove that I'm not a zombie! Just lean over hear, and let me take a little nibble out of your brains."

Weapon: Double Barrelled Shell Launcher

Training Facility

Red Alert's mind was racing back and forth- this was a training simulation, but it seemed so real that he felt right in the thick of things, trying to rescue this trapped Autobot.

"We need to hurry Inferno, or that poor bot will be melted into slag!", Red Alert alerted his friend, before remembmering, "Wait, no no! We need to hurry and finish this so we can get back out in the real world before it's too late!"

Red Alert's tires were beginning to wear out as he made it to the base of the volcano. A large pile of rocks, possibly from an avalanche- no, holographic rocks that were placed there to look like an avalanche- lie on top of a small green minibot, just his head, shoulders and arms visible, the rest of his body buried underneath. A light trickle of energon came from the bot's head, having formed a puddle on the ground near him. Just above him was a stream of molten lava coming toward him.

"He's not real, he's just a hologram.", Red Alert said to himself, again trying to reassert his grip on reality.

Red Alert could start to feel the temperature rise as the lava came closer, the smell of sulfure filling his olfactory sensors. Quickly he went next to the bot and removed the rocks on top of him.

"You're not real, you know that?!?", Red Alert yelled at the bot with a dirty look, "We should be out there keeping an eye out for Decepticon attacks, and instead we're risking our skidplates for your holographic tailgate! I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY!"

The space surrounding her seemed to be spinning so fast she had to fight the urge to purge her systems. Her focus needed to remain on the task before her. Get down to the surface, hand over the intel and receive her reward. The same list went over and over in her processor it was the only thing keeping her from simply falling apart. That and Smokescreen. She never realized just how much he meant to her until they were finally reunited, but keeping him in the dark about her addiction was something she would never forgive herself for.

The thought caused her to squeeze her legs even tighter toward her body. The scout let out a low groan as a tremble raked her frame. Why couldn’t they be on their way already? Tracer shivered slightly. Be patient. The Dinobots need to make their move first before we can even lift off.

Tracer flinched away from Smokescreen as the rallybot knelt down in front of her and paced his hands on her upright knees. It was unintentional and she hoped he didn’t take it personally. Every circuit, every electrical impulse, every sensation was amplified tenfold. Her entire body was hyper sensitive. It was a horrifying feeling. Even the touch from the mech she cared about most sent pain through her entire frame.

The scout let out a low pain filled moan as Smokescreen leaned forward and laid a gentle kiss just above the chevron that adorned her head. When the red and blue mech stood and finally made his way to the pilot’s chair Tracer lifted her head slowly and watched him take his seat. How could he even agree to help her?

Tracer shook her head slowly before she rested her chin back down on her knees. The gambler was akin to a saint in her optics.

At the sound of a light beeping signal, she raised her head and stared at the back of Smokescreen’s chair. It had to be Grimlock and his crew finally making their move.

“Wha…what’s that? Have the Dinobots finally taken the 19? Are we able to go now?"

Smokescreen noticed the beeping signal coming from the control console moments before Tracer had heard it and inquired about whether the Dinobots had made their move. Before the diversion expert could answer her, a wave of chatter over the secured open comm line filled the small shuttle craft. A warning from Jazz, who was in an escape pod, followed by a response from Prowl signaled that the Dinobots had indeed successfully stolen the Ark-19. Then another message from Prowl to Grimlock was heard, demanding that the Dinobot Commander return with the ship at once. Of course, Grimlock would never comply with such a demand, especially not from a mech like Prowl.

“Yes, it appears those Dino-dolts have finally stolen the 19. All optics are now on them and not us. We should be fine to leave," Smokescreen finally responded as he looked over his shoulder at the troubled femme with a warm smile. “Just hang on, Tracer. This could be a bumpy ride."

The rallybot returned his attention to the controls as he brought the engines to full power, causing the craft to hover just off the floor. He then sent a signal to the outer bay doors, which opened moments later to reveal the blackness of space beyond. Since Wheeljack had already disabled the sensors around this part of the ship, no one would be able to detect the doors opening or them leaving. I don’t know what I would’ve done without ‘Jack.

Wasting no further time, Smokescreen guided the cloaked shuttle forward and out of the bay. Once across the threshold, the doors closed as the diversion expert made an immediate sharp right turn before then diving down underneath the Ark-22. From this angle it would be near impossible for anyone on board either remaining vessel to visually see their small shuttle craft as there were no windows on the undersides of the two Autobot ships. Plus, the escape pod that contained the repair crew was no where in sight, having already been retrieved by the Guardian. Those facts along with the cloaking device made it a certainty that Smokey and Tracer would make it to the Earth’s surface without anyone noticing.

It’s getting back that’ll be the trick, Smokescreen thought as he piloted the shuttle away from the larger ships and down into the planet’s atmosphere where turbulence began to shake the tiny craft violently. “Hold on, Tracer! This is where it gets a little rough!" The diversion specialist shouted over the noise as he maintained a firm grip on the controls, keeping the shuttle steady as they descended further towards their planet side destination. “We’ll be there soon! Just stay with me back there!"

Motto:"The shadows see all and rarely forget, every dream that you've had and every act you regret!"

Weapon: Plasma Cannon

Traning Facility

Inferno was driving along, and he barely heard his friend Red Alert announcing he found the trapped mech. As Inferno transformed and ran up as quickly as his giant body would allow. Red Alert had already removed the debris. It was easy for Inferno to reach down and take the injured bot into his arms.

"Hey, great work Red!" Inferno congratulated. "You truely are one of the best! I'm proud to have served with you today, even if it was ONLY a simulation."

Inferno offered this praise to Red Alert as it was well deserved. Slowly, the holograms around them began to fade away. The molten lava, the final seeker in the sky, even the bot Inferno held in his arms. He smiled knowing his mission was complete, and he even got to blast a few seekers. Not nearly as much fun as grounding Starscream and his cronies. But the simulation was much safer. He put his hand on Red Alert's shoulder, towering over him.

"Well old friend, my work here is done. I couldn't have done it without ya!" Inferno again offering praise to his oft paranoid partner. "I do believe you wanted to get up to the bridge. By all means, lead on."

It was a little mean to force Red into one of his training sessions. Inferno thought it for the best though. They were on unfamiliar territory with Earth and both were in new, untested bodies. Inferno had the desire to start uo a new, harder session; but he made a promise to Red Alert to head with him to the bridge. And Inferno always intended to keep his promises.

Motto:"I can totally prove that I'm not a zombie! Just lean over hear, and let me take a little nibble out of your brains."

Weapon: Double Barrelled Shell Launcher

Training Facility

A sense of relief came over Red Alert as the simulation ended. The strain on his sensors from all the holographic projections was gone, and now he could focus on real threats. He looked at his friend, Inferno, who had pushed him into it. In all fairness, now that he thought of it, it probably was necessary. Different planet, different alternate mode, different environment.

"Thank you, Inferno, I couldn't have done it without you.", Red Alert complimented, "And now that we're done we can finally get back in the real world where there's real problems!!"

The security director headed straight for the door, determined to get back into the thick of things.

Corridor

Stepping out of the training facility, Red Alert started heading for the bridge.

"Right, now we get to the bridge, and make sure we now if anythings happe-"

Red Alert stopped. His advanced olfactory sensors had picked up something odd. It was Razr's scent, but he was unaware that turbofox's still existed, let alone that an Autobot in the Sol System had been taking care of one.

"What is that strange scent?", he said to himself as he analyzed it, "It's not an Autobot, it's not even a Decepticon, I'm sure of it.... But it's definitely something from Cybertron...."

The securty director set his olfactory sensors to maximum- the scent was leading down the corridor. Red Alert followed it, contemplating what it could possibly be.

Not a Transformer, no, no, some kind of animal? We were docked on Iacon, something could have come on board. But what could-

"OH SLAG NO!", Red Alert shouted as he realized what it was, continuing to follow the smell.

<<Red Alert to the bridge, we have a problem! I've detected an unusual scent in the Ark-22 corridors and I've come to the conclusion that we're infested with cyberrats! We must have picked them up back on Iacon, we need to find and eliminate them NOW, before they start tearing the ship apart from the inside!!!>>

Red Alert continued to follow the scent, until finally it stopped right at the shuttle bay door.

"This must be it! This must be the vermin's nest!"

Red Alert punched in his clearance code to open the door and- nothing.

"What?", he exclaimed as he punched in the code again, with still no result, "Oh slag, no, no, no."

Red Alert slammed his fist against the controls in frustration.

<<Red Alert to Wheeljack, I need you at the door to the shuttle bay! The cyberrat's scent comes here and the doors won't open! This must be where they're nesting, I'm sure of it! I need you down here to open the door so we can wipe them out immediately!>>